Sir Robert Ramsay Mackenzie of Coul, 10th Baronet

Wikipedia Biographical Summary

"Sir Robert Ramsay Mackenzie, 10th Baronet (21 July 1811 - 19 September 1873) was premier of Queensland, Australia from August 1867 to November 1868.

Mackenzie was born in Coul, Ross-shire, Scotland, fourth son of Sir George Steuart Mackenzie, and wife Mary, fifth daughter of Donald Macleod of Geanies, Ross-shire.

In April 1832 Mackenzie arrived on the Wave in Sydney, New South Wales, with £750 joining his brother James. He purchased sheep for £500 and grazed them at Riddlesdale (near Dungog, New South Wales). After land speculation with his brother James, Robert Mackenzie bought a station, got into debt and borrowed money from his Scottish relatives. His financial situation worsened and he was declared bankrupt in 1844. In 1846 he was discharged from bankruptcy and was appointed a magistrate in 1847, living in Clifton, New England.

Queensland was declared a separate colony in 1859, Mackenzie entered politics and became colonial treasurer on 18 December 1859 in the ministry of Robert Herbert. Mackenzie represented Burnett in the Legislative Assembly of Queensland 1860–1869. Mackenzie formed a government on the resignation of Arthur Macalister, taking on the roles of premier and colonial treasurer. He resigned on 25 November 1868.

Robert Mackenzie succeeded his brother William on his death on 21 December 1868 to the baronetcy and returned to live on the family estate in Scotland in 1871."

SOURCE: Wikipedia contributors, 'Sir Robert Mackenzie, 10th Baronet', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 12 July 2012, 01:57 UTC, <http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sir_Robert_Mackenzie,_10t...> [accessed 15 January 2013]

Other References

• R. B. Joyce, 'Mackenzie, Sir Robert Ramsay (1811–1873)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University.
• Complete baronetage; Cokayne, George E. (George Edward); 1904; Vol. IV; page 298
• History of the Mackenzies, with genealogies of the principal families of the name; Alexander Mackenzie; 1894; page 607